La Pedrera, formally known as Casa Milà, was constructed between 1906 and 1912 by Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926). Initially designed as a fashionable home for the wealthy Milà family, its unusual structure and irregular shaped walls created concern. However, thanks to its unique and artistic value, Gaudí´s masterpiece has received universal recognition and in 1984 was declared as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site.
A visit to La Pedrera covers two different museum areas- the Espai Gaudí and the Pedrera Apartment, in addition to the Provença and Passeig de Gràcia Courtyard, the Exhibition Room and the Roof-Terrace. A total of 4500m² is open to visitors however there is restricted access to the private homes and offices that remain in the building.
Espai Gaudí
Located in the attic, it is one of the most representative spaces of Gaudí´s work as it provides a broad overview of his work showing the basic framework behind his architectural ideas through scale models, objects, designs, and audiovisuals. The surrounding area of the Espai Gaudí is split into seven distinct areas, one of which is entirely devoted to La Pedrera.
The Roof-Terrace
This unique area was originally designed to fulfil a functional role rather than design purposes, which is why it bears no resemblance to the style of architecture of its time. It is home to a spectacular set of sculptures which fall into three types of structure: stairwells, chimneys and ventilation towers. Parts of the sculptures that are visible from the street are decorated with ceramic pieces, whilst those that are more hidden are only painted. Avoid visiting in bad weather, as for security reasons the Roof-Terrace will be closed.
The Pedrera Apartment
The Pedrera Apartment provides an authentic insight into the affluent lifestyle and home of a bourgeois family living in Barcelona in the early 20th century. The apartment has been entirely refitted with furniture, décor, works of art and ornaments of its time. Also, on the fourth floor of the building there is a mini exhibit which offers an overview of the history of Barcelona between the Tragic Week (1909) and the World Fair (1929).
The Courtyards
In Gaudí´s usual innovative style, he adjoined the small courtyards to optimise the light and ventilation in the area creating a spectacular vision of colour. The light is reflected off the decorative murals onto the ceilings and walls of the lobbies and staircase which feature various mythological references and intricate detailing.
Exhibition Hall
In 1992, the former residence of the Milà family was opened as an exhibition hall. This floor has very little resemblance to how it previously looked as the Milà family had most of the décor refurbished after Gaudí´s death.
Address:
Provença, 261-265, 08008 Barcelona
Telephone:
902 20 21 38
Open:
Monday to Friday: from 9am to 10pm
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: from 10am to 2pm and from 6pm to 10pm
Website:
www.lapedrera.com
How to get there:
L3 and L5 metro stop Diagonal or bus 7,16,17, 22, 24 and V17
